Phi Alpha Theta
ISU's Chi Rho chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, the national history honor society, recognizes students for their academic achievements and organizes a variety of programs that extend the study of history outside the classroom. In recent years, student members have sponsored a variety of activities including public lectures by nationally significant historians, a field trip to the historic town of Chesterfield, a community-wide panel discussion on Pocatello history, a presentation by alumni on career options in history, and several book sales. Each year the chapter sponsors members to present their research papers at the Phi Alpha Theta Pacific Northwest Regional Conference, the nation's largest student history conference. ISU co-hosted this meeting in 2006.
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The 2012 Phi Alpha Theta Pacific Northwest Regional Conference was held April 12-14, 2012 in Spokane Washington. The ISU Chi Rho chapter sent 5 students, Marty Sabin, Amanda Preston, Scott Pearson, Lori Barber, and Justin Vipperman, along with Dr. Erika Kuhlman to the conference.
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2012 Phi Alpha Theta Pacific Northwest Regional Conference, April 12-14, 2012. ISU students will present their research in Spokane at the nation's largest student history conference.
Join us on Facebook at "Idaho State University Phi Alpha Theta History Club"
Recent events
Elliott West, "The West before Lewis and Clark: Three Lives," April 21, 2010, 7:30pm, Goranson Hall. Join the award-winning writer and teacher for a presentation on the early North American West. This is the annual Idaho Yesterdays Lecture, sponsored by the ISU Cultural Affairs Council.
Professional Experience
The Phi Alpha Theta conference provides an annual opportunity for students (undergraduate and graduate) to present their research in a professional setting. Four members of the ISU chapter along with faculty advisor Dr. Kevin Marsh attended the 20010 meeting at Fairmont Hot Spings, Montana.
Graduate students Robert Beazer and Anderson Sandes each presented research papers there, along with then-undergrad Marty Thiel. Kudos to them all! In April 2011, ISU students again will present at the regional conference, which will be held in Seattle. For more information on how to participate, please contact either of the faculty advisors listed below.
History of Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Alpha Theta -- the National Honor Society in History -- was established at the University of Arkansas in 1921. Our local chapter -- Chi Rho -- dates from 1976.
Phi Alpha Theta seeks to promote the study of history by encouraging research and publication, good teaching, and an exchange of ideas among faculty and students. The Society has a biennial national meeting, publishes a journal, The Historian, and sponsors annual regional conferences.
Students are encouraged to join Phi Alpha Theta and to submit their research papers (most often written for HIST 491) for consideration to present at the spring conference. Participation is an excellent opportunity for a variety of career choices, and it's great fun! Phi Alpha Theta also offers professional experience, career development, scholarships, and awards.
Membership in the society is open to students who:
- have completed 12 credits in history;
- have a 3.1 g.p.a. in history classes;
- have a 3.0 g.p.a. overall;
- rank in the top 35 percent of their class.
Applications with payment are due by October 1 for fall semester and April 1 for spring semester. The fee is $45, and provides a lifetime membership and a one-year subscription to The Historian. There is no application form. Simply contact one of the faculty advisors.
For information on the local chapter, please contact one of the faculty advisors Dr. Erika Kuhlman or Dr. Kevin Marsh.
If you are interested in learning more about the society in general please contact the National Office of Phi Alpha Theta.